Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Measure the amount of direct sunlight the plant gets daily.
- Review your recent fertilizer routine.
- Check for signs of pests that might be eating the buds.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks healthy and green but shows no signs of buds. It may also appear stretched out.
What to do: Move your plant to a location where it receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light or full sun. If indoors, place it near a south facing window.
Wrong fertilizer
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is growing lots of leaves but no flowers. This often happens with high nitrogen fertilizers.
What to do: Switch to a bloom booster fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus. Apply it every 4 to 6 weeks during the spring and summer.
When to worry
It is normal for the plant to stop blooming during the cooler winter months. Worry only if it fails to bloom during the peak of summer.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure your plant gets plenty of sun and use a phosphorus rich fertilizer during the active growing season.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your golden trumpet.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Do I need to prune it to get flowers?
- Light pruning can encourage branching, which leads to more flowering sites. Prune in late winter before the new growth starts.
- How long does it take for a new plant to bloom?
- Young plants may take one full season to establish before they start producing flowers. Patience is key.
More problems with Golden trumpet
Back to the Golden trumpet guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.